Interim High School and Middle School Principals Named for 2016-17 School Year

Swampscott, MA - At Wednesday night's School Committee meeting, Swampscott Superintendent of Schools Pamela R. H. Angelakis appointed interim principals for the high school and the middle school for the 2016-17 school year.

"After reflecting on the strong leadership team in our district and how to best utilize their individual skills and strengths, I am appointing Mr. Robert Murphy interim principal at Swampscott High School and Mr. Jason Calichman interim principal at Swampscott Middle School for the 2016-17 school year," Angelakis said.

Late last year, then high school principal Edward Rozmiarek was placed on administrative leave after he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, according to Beverly Police. Rozmiarek later resigned.

Murphy has taught World History and World Geography for nine years at the high school level. He also has five years’ experience as a middle school principal, four years’ experience as a high school vice principal, in addition to the last four years as Swampscott Middle School principal.

"During his time as an administrator in Swampscott he has demonstrated his leadership capacity by consistently taking on additional responsibilities as a member and chair of a variety of committees," Angelakis said.

She said that in four years as vice principal of Swampscott Middle School, Calichman has proven to be an effective and committed administrator who is a firm believer in the importance of educating the wholechild during these critical years.

"Mr. Calichman is continually reflecting on best practice in order to identify ways to improve student achievement and enhance the overall operation," Angelakis said.

Angelakis addressed the high turnover rate in the principal position at the high school and said she spent a significant amount of time deliberating the best next step for the students at the high school.

"I am truly grateful for the stability that Mr. Frank Kowalski and Ms. Lytania Mackey have brought to Swampscott High School, especially in the trying times of the last three months," she said. "Their leadership and commitment, along with the talented and dedicated staff, have brought the high school and our students through one of the most challenging situations ever experienced in Swampscott Public Schools. I remain confident that the remainder of the school year will be positive and productive under their guidance."